Should you Do Custom Work?

While custom requests can be exciting, they come with challenges.

I was approached by the producers of Britain’s Got Talent to make my ‘Ugly Mugs’ as joke gifts for the judges.

It was a unique opportunity, but with tight deadlines and steep shipping costs for the produces, I did them for free, and ended up rushing the mugs, ultimately feeling like I could’ve done better under different circumstances. ( I made 2 of the mugs while sitting in a van while helping my moving my kid to College).

Experiences like this have made me cautious about custom orders—I want to ensure every piece reflects my best work without the added pressure and limitations.

On the other hand, I had a custom order from a customer in the UK who wanted a mug featuring a bust of an English actor as a gift. They gave me plenty of notice, which allowed for enough time to create the piece without the usual rush. The extra time made a big difference, letting me focus on the details and ultimately produce a piece I was proud of. When custom orders come with enough time and flexibility, it’s easier to ensure they meet my standards.